Creative Director/Design Manager

Small Giants loves our story, so we would like to share the highlights with you:

• We were established 15 years ago as a full-service marketing firm deeply passionate about the Commercial Real Estate industry (this includes developers, brokers, architects, engineers and contractors). Our team of over 40 employees lives out our name—making giants things happen, big or small, through a mighty team empowered with creative energy, dedication and a quest to provide value to our clients. We are convinced we are a true partner to our great clients and living this out on any project creates “Raving Fans”, referring us to more great clients!

…And we have been fortunate enough to be recognized for our efforts:

• One of Phoenix Business Journal’s Best Places to Work 
• Named Most Admired Company AZ Business
• One of Phoenix Business Journal’s Best Places to Work
• American Institute of Architects Arizona Affiliate Firm of the Year
• Phoenix Business Journal Marketing Firm of the Year (finalist)
• Ranking Arizona Marketing Firm
• Named as one of Arizona Business Leaders

…Well, enough about us, let’s talk about the opportunity:

• Small Giants is seeking a Design Manager who brings abundant energy, creative ideas and an unwavering ability to lead a team of creative as well as manage the traffic coming in for the team. Fast paced is an understatement; having multiple projects is our every day. It requires fanatical organization, experience managing workloads, utilization schedules and overseeing the overall profitability of projects. Being an outstanding, hands-on designer who can communicate the vision for the design in an outstanding way, usually to a bunch of “non-creatives”!

It’s a lot to ask, but as a Small Giant team member, we believe all of the little things matter a lot:

• Proactively manage design projects through workload management, client management, meeting deadlines, project management software maintenance and more.
• Assist the creative team(s) in translating project requests directly from Client meetings into conceptual ideas and executing winning creative direction
• In collaboration with our brand strategist:

• • Lead team(s) from conceptual development to project delivery
  • Assume responsibility and ownership for all creative work of designers on projects
  • Direct branding for multiple clients, website development, imagery, advertising campaigns and promotional materials
  • Coach and mentor design team to promote and increase art/design skills as well as the application of new design techniques

• Partner and form trusted relationships to deliver solutions that meet the clients’ needs and expectations on time
• Problem-solve and take design feedback while maintaining a creative point of view and consistency

 …And we need a passionate leader! Not a manager, more than a participant and definitely not a spectator. We are structured and ready to grow, so the only fit will be eager and experienced to do the following:

• Participate in client meetings to gain a clear understanding of the goals of the creative direction, the company culture, target audience and “big picture” purpose for the creative.
• Continually provide creative ideas from local, national and online creative sources, associations and groups.
• Seek new business opportunities
• Create awareness in the community of firms practices and experience

If you think you are a good match for the Small Giants team, please send us the following:

Your resume

A cover letter that reflects your personality and specific interest in the construction/commercial real estate market and our great company

Link to your current portfolio that showcases an attention to detail, branding expertise, and the ability to translate ideas/strategies into compelling printed communication and interactive experiences. Case study examples are appreciated as well.